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Who is John King? What you should know about CNN's Election Night host

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It's Election Day and voting is in full swing across the country as Americans choose their next president between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Among those covering the election live and analyzing the results in real time is John King, who will lead CNN's election coverage. King, his “magic wall,” and use of the word “fun” became the subject of many memes and discussions on social media during the last election cycle.

While the magic wall will make a comeback this election cycle, King said in an interview with USA TODAY last month that he will no longer use the word “fun” to mean “fascinating” or “challenging” because “people are watching.” back home would get mad at him, and for them, close elections aren't “fun.”

Here's what you need to know about the anchor and CNN chief correspondent.

Coffee, squats and a “magic wall”: How CNN's John King will survive Election Day 2024

Who is John King? Current job, view

John King is CNN's chief correspondent, anchor and “integral part of the network's coverage of American government and politics,” according to his CNN bio.

He previously hosted “Inside Politics” and stepped down from that role in April 2023 to “take on a new role focused on voters in battleground states during the 2024 presidential election,” according to an April CNN press release 2023. In a recent interview, King told USA TODAY that he has been on the ground and traveling around the country for the past 15 months to understand voters' perspectives and will continue to do so until the week before the election will do.

On Election Day, King will report on the election results from his famous “Magic Wall,” which he calls “the most powerful information tool” he has ever worked with, adding that the software will provide him with everything and help with the presentation Providing information to the viewer in an interactive and transparent manner.

“It’s just a fascinating tool in any election cycle. With the help of a great team, we’re trying to do better,” King said.

King, who has been covering elections for nearly 40 years, said one of his biggest takeaways from being on the ground and covering election cycles is that people “enjoy the journey” and the “magic wall” gives him the opportunity to connect his viewers to travel to different parts of the country and give them an insight into the electoral process there.

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John King College, History of Education

A native of Boston, King earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island. He has also received honorary doctorates from URI, American University and Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Before joining CNN in May 1997, King worked for the Associated Press for 12 years, the last six as its chief political correspondent, according to his CNN biography. King has reported from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

More about John King

King has three children, two – a son and a daughter – from his first wife Jean Makie and one with his CNN anchor wife Dana Bash. King and Bash tied the knot in May 2008 and had their son Jonah in June 2011. The couple separated in March 2012.

This story has been updated to correct a typo.

Saman Shafiq is a featured news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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